Energy Audits, Reduction of Usage and Cost Savings
- Revised the Energy Audit Checklist.
- Completed energy audits at the Hub and Wagner Community Center.
- Investigated the use of an electrical energy usage data base.
- Updated plumbing and electrical fixtures at the Wagner Community Center.
- Installed timers on eight tennis court fans at Courts Plus.
- Replaced fourteen ball field lights at Plunkett Park.
- Installed a new controller on the Butterfield Park irrigation system.
Reduction of Waste & Recycling
- Implemented the use of 136,000 recycled tires for the Berens Park new playground surfacing.
- Donated the existing Berens West playground to Kids Around the World; existing structure was recycled to a Thailand orphanage.
- Implemented the availability of agenda, minutes and sub-committee memos on a projector versus paper.
- Executed the availability of presentation projector for visiting speakers.
- Implemented biodegradable, compostable, “all-natural” and sustainable resource products at The Hub and Courts Café.
- Utilization of recyclable products made from recycled materials at Sugar Creek Golf Course.
- Initiated hanger recycling by Courts Plus to a local dry cleaner.
- Held a shoe recycling event at Courts Plus -- “Soles for Africa.”
- Collection of holiday lights in cooperation with the City of Elmhurst and SCARCE.
Green Education and Programming
- Created a Elmhurst Park District Environmental page on Facebook listing environmental initiatives.
- Placement of an “acceptable item” sticker on sixty-five outdoor recycling bins and five indoor receptacles.
- Offered several “Eco” Family Events -- Winter Nature Walk, Indoor Composting, Maple Syrup Cooking, Windowsill Herb Gardening, Rain Barrels, Food Preservation.
- Participated in the Elmhurst Historical Museum’s Eco Elmhurst Exhibit -- Sunday Funday.
- Held several Conservatory Youth Education programs at the Conservatory.
Greening the Future
- Continuation of the Adopt-A-Park Program.
- Earmarking of budget funds for green improvements.
- Development and implementation of the 2012 Emerald Ash Borer Plan.
- Restructuring of building space and parking lot usage in Wilder Park.
- Wilder Park Conservatory and Horticultural Complex Restoration Project.
- Implementation of Ozone Policy on twenty-four “unhealthy for sensitive groups” days.
- Development of Commitment to the Environment guidelines for use by EPD contractors.
- Cooperative material vendor purchasing recommendations.
- 143 trees planted throughout District parks during Spring Tree Planting, Fall Tree Planting, and the Berens Playground Project .
- Cooperative effort to secure grant for Bur Oak tree planting in Churchville Middle School’s native area.
- York Commons Park clean-up by Staff and Webelos Cub Scouts.
